If Only Riley Could Talk

 

My dog Riley has not been himself lately when we go to get exercise up at the high school. Usually going to the high school is one of Riley's favorite things to do. He leaps out of the car and runs and runs then walks with me and runs and runs some more.

The first time he wasn't himself  was last week. He ran across the field chasing ravens then came back to me, sat and wouldn't move. I tried to get him to walk with me. He was panting, shaking, and wouldn't budge. He wanted to get back in the car. He didn't get hurt, but something made him act different.

Next time we went to the high school it happened again. He ran up the hill then came back and had the same behaviors. I moved to car closer to the bridge thinking he would get out and walk with me. I couldn't get him out of the car. He was again trembling and panting.

Yesterday I took him to a different place. He was the Riley I know and love. He ran, rolled on a dead animal, found a deer bone and carried it around, He ran until he got tired.

I wish Riley could talk. What happened to him at the high school parking lot? Did he smell something that scared him? I just don't know. I am going to try it again tomorrow to see what happens.

Again, he didn't have an injury and when he is home he is the window watcher, early bed goer, bone lover, and snuggle boy like always. If only Riley could talk, he could tell me what was going on at the high school. Any ideas dog owners?

Six Things You May Not Know About Riley

 

Riley is my Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. He is four years old. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you have experienced Life With Riley posts frequently. These are things you may not know about Riley:

He feels safe in his crate. He heads to bed every night at seven o'clock. This started when Everett was with us and went to bed early. He has continued the tradition.

Riley loves to go to the groomer. When he used to go NW, he couldn't contain his excitement. He now goes to a new groomer and has earned a gold star after both of his visits. RF loves Riley

Riley has the same morning ritual every day. He sits on the stool by the living room window and watches for the mail lady. He sees her first across the street at the church, then waits to see her appear all around our street before she comes here. Next he watches for his UPS buddy. The UPS guy goes to the gate every time and gives Riley a treat. With my frequent purchased online he comes by often.

Riley loves to ride in the car every day to a place that he can run free. He loves the area around the high school and the area around the old drive- in theater in Smelterville.

Riley is very photogenic.

Riley doesn't really like to play fetch or swim. He does like his stuffed toys Wheat, Rye, and Oat.

Happy Birthday Riley!

Three years ago Riley was born at a farm outside of St. Maries Idaho. He didn't come to live with us until later in July. Riley brought a whole new ray of light into our lives. He adored his older brother Tucker, he adored us. Let's just say that Riley adores anybody he comes in contact with. He loves people.

 His brother Tucker taught him to alert us when the UPS truck was out front, Tucker also taught him the importance of going to the crate when it is time in the evening. Tucker also taught him how to inform us when it was time to get up and let the dogs out of the crates in the morning.

Riley had a tough adjustment period when he lost his brother in November. He lost his appetite, was afraid to go outside by himself, and tried to remember the skills Tucker taught him. Riley had never been alone in his life.  He rallied and by the holiday season he went with us to family functions.

Riley is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. I had a friend years ago that had one and I fell in love with her dog. After we lost our dog Annie the summer of 2017 I started to read ads of available dogs. That was how I found Riley. We had only had sporting and herding breeds before. A terrier is a breed like no other. Riley hasn't been easy to train and he does have a stubborn streak.

 Riley loved his cousins next door and watched at the gate when they came outside. The dogs were elderly dogs so Riley didn't get to play with them much. Sadly, the two dogs have gone to doggie heaven , but Riley still runs to the gate looking for them. Riley also got to visit Grandma Mary at Kindred one time before she died. Mom loved Riley at first sight.

He loves to go in the car to his favorite places where he can run his heart out. He also loves to go to to espresso stands that give out dog treats. He loves his toy buddies Wheat and Oat. As long as Riley is with us, he is happy. He is very photogentic and enjoys life. He brings us joy every day.